LAWYERS representing senior journalist, Blessed Mhlanga, are yet to receive court transcripts of proceedings, which are a prerequisite for a High Court bail application despite making a request last Friday, documents show.
Mhlanga was denied bail and remanded in custody to March 14 when he appeared before Harare magistrate Farai Gwitima on Friday.
Gwitima said Mhlanga, who faces a charge of incitement to public violence for broadcasting a Press conference on Heart and Soul TV (HStv), was a security threat.
HStv is an online television channel under the AMH stable. AMH publishes NewsDay, The Standard, Zimbabwe Independent and Southern Eye.
On Friday, Mhlanga’s lawyers Atherstone & Cook wrote to the clerk of the Magistrate Court for a transcript of Gwitima’s bail ruling.
They also sought a record of proceedings of his court appearance and bail proceedings in the Magistrates Court of February 25.
“Please take note that this matter is extremely urgent,” the lawyers wrote.
“Our client’s liberty is of paramount importance, and to advance his bail appeal, the transcripts herein are essential.”
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On Monday, the lawyers wrote a follow-up letter demanding the same.
“Your urgent attendance to our request will be sincerely appreciated, and we look forward to receiving the outstanding documents as soon as possible,” read part of the letter.
NewsDay understands the lawyers had not received the documents by close of business yesterday.
Mhlanga (pictured) is accused of broadcasting messages likely to spark public disorder after HStv broadcast a Press conference of Zanu PF central committee member, Blessed Geza.
In the broadcast, Geza called on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down for allegedly plunging the country into a political crisis, misgovernance and failure to tame corruption.
Police have launched a manhunt for Geza over four criminal charges.
The charges include vehicle theft, undermining Mnangagwa, and inciting public violence.
Mhlanga’s arrest has been roundly condemned by media and human rights groups.
The US embassy in Harare said on Friday that “constitutional rights to bail and free speech should apply to all journalists”.
AMH chairman Trevor Ncube has condemned Mhlanga’s arrest.
He said Mhlanga was not the owner of HStv.
“Blessed is not AMH. He’s just a journalist practising his profession, which is constitutionally protected, just like you guys are doing here, broadcasting to the public at home,” Ncube told reporters last week.
“You can’t be accused of inciting the public by broadcasting what I’m saying right now.
“I am the one who should be brought before the courts, not the journalists who transmit the information.
“So, I’m disappointed in that regard, but this is the reality that we are in right now.”
